Karah + Michael tied the knot on a beautiful spring day in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 2015. I was especially excited to photograph this couple because I have known Karah since I was 14- she was even a bridesmaid in my own wedding in 2012! 🙂
Karah and Michael planned a wedding day that was unique to their story. Since they met and fell in love at Northwest Coffee they thought, “Why not have our ceremony here?” I love what Karah said in her Q&A about the special meaning coffee shops hold for them: “Coffee shops are full of people from different walks of life building relationships, and we wanted our marriage to reflect the same open and welcoming space.”
Karah and Michael take it from here! Read on to learn about about their wedding experience in their own words! To view all the photos from Karah + Michael’s wedding and order prints, please visit their full gallery on my online print shop!
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1. How did you meet and fall in love? I’d love to hear a little bit more of your story.
We met in St. Louis in a dreamy coffee shop where we wound up getting married 😉
2. I love when couples plan meaningful wedding ceremonies that are specific to them. You and Michael intentionally did this in choosing Northwest Coffee as your ceremony venue. Can you tell me more about this decision? What was it like to get married in this spot?
It was convenient to get married in the spot where we met. We knew so many people from the coffee shop (I’d worked there) and had so many people who love and care about us there. Having this little community not only made it convenient though, it was also symbolic for us. Coffee shops are full of people from different walks of life building relationships, and we wanted our marriage to reflect the same open and welcoming space relationally speaking.
3. What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
There were many sweet moments throughout the day from Michael and I sneaking a cup of coffee together in the morning to sitting out on the sun-drenched front porch before it was time to get ready, to the reception. So much square dancing! But I guess what stands out the most was our ceremony which was filled with poetry readings, singing, and our dearest friends and family.
4. What factors other than photos went into your decision on a wedding photographer? Why did you pick me?
We really wanted to not only like our wedding photographer’s style but to feel comfortable joking, talking and hanging with her as well! Courtney was an easy choice and made us feel right at home throughout our wedding weekend!
5. Did you foresee any part of your wedding day being difficult logistically or emotionally? Did I make it easier? If so, how?
It was great to have Courtney’s help as we took photographs with family! This process was so quick and painless. We’re also so happy with how our first look felt intimate and personal. Somehow Courtney managed to make us feel as though we were alone which was great!!
6. What is the first thing you want to do with the images?
We are going to make a photo book.
7. What is next for you as a couple? Any big plans?
We just got back from our honeymoon hiking Machu Picchu. Now we just have to conquer putting away a mountain of presents 🙂
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Karah and Michael, thank you so much for inviting me to document your wedding day. Karah- you are like a sister to me, and I am so grateful for being invited to celebrate with you in this way. I couldn’t be happier for you and Michael!
A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:
Ties: Julianne Hyatt’s amazing and talented handy-work!
Invites: made by Karah
Square dancing band: Tish and Wayne
